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Well, Arknights Global has finally launched, and it’s time to give a proper first impressions! As you already know, this is a tower defense game. Of course, it’s not like it stops there. Each Operator is unique, and you cannot bring in duplicate Operators into battle. Likewise, there is also a limit of Operators you can deploy at any given time, apart from their individual costs.
The story isn’t fully voiced which is too bad. Other than that, you’d need to progress through the stages as you might expect. First time rewards can provide you new Operators, as well as various materials and premium currency. The auto feature in this game is different from what you might be used to: Auto Deploy unlocks once you clear a stage perfectly.
From there, you can Auto Deploy. Auto Deploy remembers the squad, and the moves you took to complete the stage, and it will repeat the same moves. Auto Deploy squads cannot be changed unless you clear it with a different formation. In this case, you’re somewhat encouraged to replay stages to make your Auto Deploy more efficient. You can also choose to take over Auto Deploy at any point.
Operators that go down will be sent into cooldown and be unable to be deployed. They will also return at a higher cost, so preferably you’d set them right the first time around. You could choose to “Plan” a stage first, which won’t net you any rewards but you’ll get to refine your strategy. You’re limited on how many data plans you have, though.
Operators have their own attack range which will be highlighted in orange for attackers, and blue for healers. Healers cannot attack. There are various types of Operators: Vanguard, Defender, Support, and so forth. Ranged units typically are placed on raised platforms, so you’ll need your melee Operators to block off the direct paths. Melee Operators also are unable to attack flying units, so be sure to have a balance. Set ’em down and orient them in the direction you want. You can have blocks and on-field activatable items as well across level to level.
Operators go up to 6-stars. 6-star Operators cannot be set as support units for your friends until later, so you won’t be having a ridiculously overpowered unit on the field in the early game. If you use a support Operator, you will not be able to Auto Deploy either even if you Perfect the stage. In any case, you should look to save 6,000 Orundum for a guaranteed 5-star Operator in every new gacha box. In the future, it would seem limited time Operators will be available, but for now, they are permanent.
There’s base building, which is reminiscent of X-COM’s. You need to clear out the areas before you build facilities. These facilities can be further enhanced by assigning Operators who can boost a facility. Apart from gacha, you can also recruit Operators like a more traditional crafting method, where you can set attributes you want an Operator to have. It reduces the randomness to a degree.
Operators cannot gain any experience when used in battle, so you’ll have to give them “battle records” to level them up. They also have a Trust meter, which will improve their capabilities as well. They have their own skills, some of which will specify if they are cast automatically or manually. You’ll see a flashing icon above their heads once their ability is available.
All in all, first impressions of Arknights Global is quite favourable and worth the hype. There’s plenty of fiddling and planning to do, so give it a shot.
